Lake Tahoe's iconic transparency and stunningly blue waters are often the first thing that comes to mind when people think of the Tahoe Region. Natural disturbances such as fire, floods, and landslides allow fine sediments and nutrients to enter the lake. Urbanization and development have altered the natural hydrologic regimes of many of Tahoe's watersheds Studies completed as part of the Lake Tahoe Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) show that urban areas are the primary source of fine sediment (the pollutant known to impact lake clarity). Much of the urban development has occurred along the edge of Lake Tahoe, meaning that in many cases, there is little or no buffer between the source of pollution and the Lake. The concentration of development also represents an opportunity for managers in the Region to mitigate impacts.